Updated: February 24, 2026

 

Portugal has become a popular destination for expat families seeking a high quality of life. The beautiful westernmost country in Europe offers a stable economy, safety, and excellent education, all in a country that prides itself on time spent with family.

From the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the British curriculum, to French, American, and German curricula, you’ll find a wide range of excellent international schools in Portugal’s capital, with tuition fees ranging from €5,452 to €29,970 per year, depending on the school and year level.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete list of international schools in 2026, types of curricula and schools, and how to go about choosing the best school for your children.

We’ll cover:

International Schools in Lisbon: Key Takeaways

  • Lisbon is the home to the most international schools in Portugal, with 36 international schools.
  • Parents can choose from a range of curricula, including British, American, German, French, and Montessori.
  • International school fees range from €5,452 to €29,970 per year, depending on the school and the level.
  • Many schools are located in Greater Lisbon, in Cascais and close to Sintra.
  • Families should enrol their children as soon as possible due to high demand and limited spots.

List of All the Top International Schools in Lisbon

Finding the best school in Lisbon for your child is crucial to furthering their personal and professional development and setting them up for a rewarding and successful future.

Below, find a complete list of all international schools in Lisbon in 2026 and fees for 2026-2027, where available.

Astoria International School

  • Curriculum: Portuguese and International
  • Language: English and Portuguese
  • Age range: 3 to 18 years
  • Location: Central Lisbon
  • Tuition fees: €6,300–€12,000 per year

Find out more on their website.

The British School of Lisbon

  • Curriculum: British
  • Language: English
  • Age range: 3 to 14 years
  • Location: Central Lisbon, close to Cais do Sodre
  • Tuition fees (2026-2027): €13,633–€22,230 per year

Find out more on their website.

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)

  • Curriculum: American, IB
  • Language: English
  • Age range: Preschool to Grade 12
  • Location: Sintra, Greater Lisbon
  • Tuition fees (2026-2027): €12,128€–€23,532 per year

Find out more on their website.

Deutsche Schule Lissabon (German School of Lisbon)

  • Curriculum: German national curriculum, Abitur
  • Language: German, Portuguese
  • Age range: 3 to 18 years
  • Location: Lisbon, close to Telheiras
  • Tuition fees:: €8,141 to €8,364

Find out more on their website.

International Preparatory School (IPS)

  • Curriculum: British
  • Language: English
  • Age range: 3 to 11 years
  • Location: Cascais, Lisbon
  • Tuition fees: €9,300–€12,800 per year

Find out more on their website.

International Sharing School – Taguspark

  • Curriculum: IB
  • Language: English
  • Age range: 3 to 18 years
  • Location: Oeiras, Lisbon
  • Tuition fees: €11,400–€26,760 per year

Find out more on their website.

Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (French School)

  • Curriculum: French national curriculum
  • Language: French
  • Age range: 3 to 18 years
  • Location: Lisbon, close to Campo de Ourique
  • Tuition fees: €5,452 – €6,891 per year

Find out more on their website.

Oeiras International School

  • Curriculum: IB
  • Language: English
  • Age range: 10 to 18 years
  • Location: Oeiras, Lisbon
  • Tuition fees (2024-2025): €13,980 – €22,406 per year

Find out more on their website.

PaRK International School

  • Curriculum: Cambridge, Portuguese national curriculum
  • Language: English, Portuguese
  • Age range: 1 to 18 years
  • Location: Multiple campuses in Lisbon (Alfragide, Praça de Espanha, Restelo)
  • Tuition fees: €9,380 to: €20,850

You can find out more on their website.

Prime School

  • Curriculum: Cambridge
  • Language: English
  • Age range: 3 to 18 years
  • Location: Central Lisbon
  • Tuition fees (2026-2027): €9,253–€22,160 per year

You can find out more on their website.

Redbridge School

  • Curriculum: Bilingual (Portuguese and English)
  • Language: Portuguese, English
  • Age Range: 3 to 15 years
  • Location: Lisbon
  • Tuition fees: €8,600 to €17,900 per year

You can find out more on their website.

St. Julian’s School

  • Curriculum: British National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma
  • Instruction Language: English
  • Age Range: 3 to 18 years
  • Location: Carcavelos, Lisbon
  • Tuition fees (2026-2027): €23,693–€29,970 per year

TASIS Portugal (The American School in Portugal)

  • Curriculum: American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
  • Language: English
  • Age range: Preschool to Grade 12
  • Location: Sintra, Lisbon
  • Tuition fees (2026-2027): €13,007–€24,308 per year

You can find out more on their website.

United Lisbon International School

  • Curriculum: IB
  • Language: English
  • Age Range: 3 to 18 years
  • Location: Lisbon, close to Parque das Nações
  • Tuition fees (2026-2027): €11,564.00–€23,520 per year

You can find out more on their website.

Types of International Schools in Lisbon

There are many different types of international schools in Lisbon, including the IB, American, French, and German curricula.

Schools with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum

You will find some of the best IB schools in Lisbon. The IB is a pre-university education curriculum that prepares students for higher education, not just through studies but also extracurricular activities. The IB is internationally recognized and focuses on children’s creativity, critical thinking, international-mindedness, sense of community, and professional development.

American international schools and Advanced Placement (AP)

The American education system consists of elementary, middle, and high school. During the different cycles of American education, your children will study social studies, math, English, science, and usually a foreign language.

Graduating from an American school, especially if the United States Department of State recognizes the school, can help students if they hope to attend university pathways in the USA or Canada. Some American schools may offer Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses, SAT preparation, or university application support.

British international schools

If you are seeking English-speaking schools in Lisbon, Portugal, British schools are a good place to start, particularly if your child may continue their studies in the UK in the future. Generally, students study science, math, history, English, and foreign languages. Of course, the language of instruction is English, and the focus is on problem-solving, confidence-building, and student growth.

Other national curricula

You’ll also find other international curricula in the Portuguese capital, with different languages. For example, the German School of Lisbon (Deutsche Schule Lissabon) and the Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (Lisbon) offer German and French curricula, respectively. And, of course, you will also come across the Portuguese curriculum.

Method schools

Your child will learn at a different pace and in a playful, multilingual learning environment at Method Schools. You should be aware that some schools may only accept students within specific cycles. Additionally, some schools may teach in one language or offer multilingual education, so do your research. The Lisbon Montessori School is an excellent example of such a school, although it is located north of Cascais and not in Lisbon itself.

Discover how to find the best properties for sale in Lisbon

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Which Lisbon neighborhoods are close to international schools?

Lisbon City is home to several high-quality Portugal international schools, with even more found in the Greater Lisbon Area.

In the video below, you can find out more about the best neighborhoods close to international schools.

The best international schools in Lisbon are those that prioritize your child’s personal development and academic growth. Expats living in Lisbon, Portugal, generally enroll their children in international schools in Portugal.

Take a look at our ultimate guide to buying property in Lisbon

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How to choose the best international school in Lisbon?

Portuguese schools provide high-quality education with many options for expat families. An international school is an excellent choice if you want your child to follow a specific international curriculum or be taught in a particular language.

The main thing is to feel confident that you are choosing the best private school in Lisbon or other educational institutions for your child, as this is one of the most important decisions that will help shape them throughout their lives.

The best way to begin your search to find the best private international school in Lisbon for you is by asking yourself the following questions:

  • What are the languages I want my children to learn? 
  • How far away is the school from our home? 
  • What education system would I like my children to be enrolled in? 
  • Where are the possible countries where my children can attend universities? 
  • What is an affordable budget to maintain a good and cost-effective education?

Once you have clear answers to these questions, this will help you decide which schools are good options.

Below are some of the valuable resources that might help you while choosing:

 

Should I choose the school first or home first?

From English medium schools in Lisbon, Portugal, to French and German speaking schools, there is a great range of options on the table.

A common dilemma that many families looking to relocate face is whether to pick the right school first for their children or a sustainable home. You’ll need to weigh up factors such as commute time, property prices, and the attractiveness of neighborhoods. But how is best to proceed? Should you choose the school first or home?

Key factors to consider, from our local experts:

  • Age of your child: It depends on the family. For example, for younger children, close proximity to the school may be preferable, while older children may be able to handle longer commutes
  • School’s availability: Look at schools’ availability and admissions, as schools have limited spots or specific enrollment requirements, such as entry assessments. Ensuring a place for your child before settling on a property can avoid disappointment on this side. Some schools have waiting lists, so it’s best to act as soon as possible if you have your heart set on one school in particular.
  • Preferences: Some families want to live in a calm area and not in the city center, even though the school is located in the middle of the city.
  • Budget: Some schools are located in high-pressure areas, so properties in these areas are often pricier. Opting for a property a little outside and commuting is a possibility, as commutes are usually not that bad unless there is particularly heavy traffic.

There’s no one-size-fits-all, and each family will have their own way of proceeding. But make sure you ask yourselves these key questions as early as possible to make the move and enrollment of your children as easy as possible.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

  • Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
  • Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
  • Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
  • Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
  • Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Schools in Lisbon

Unlike public schools in Lisbon, international schools in Portugal come with annual fees, but Portugal has one of Europe’s most affordable education systems. Many schools in Portugal for international students allow children to study in their native language and interact with other children from across the world.

International school fees vary but range from €5,452 to €29,970 per year. Fess vary depending on the school and the school level.

The education system in Portugal is excellent, offering families a variety of choices for schools and universities in Portugal, including schools offering an international education. There are both private and free public schools in Portugal to choose from.

Central Lisbon and the Greater Lisbon Area offer excellent international schools in Portugal. These institutions provide various programs from primary education to secondary schools in an international community. Some of the best international schools include Astoria International School, St. Julian’s School, and Redbridge School.

Yes, Lisbon has English schools. The British School of Lisbon and St. Julian’s School, just outside Lisbon, are good examples of British schools in the Portugeuse capital.

The Portuguese education system lasts nine years in Portugal, broken into three successive cycles of four, two, and three years. Children begin their first school year on 15 September once they turn six years old.

There are 36 international schools in Lisbon and the Lisbon Greater Area, which includes Carcavelos, Cascais, Estoril, Setúbal, and Sintra. Many are English-speaking, while some are bi- or multilingual.

Some of the best private international schools in Lisbon include St. Julian’s School, the British School of Lisbon, and Redbridge School, renowned for their academic excellence, diverse extracurricular activities, and for fostering a supportive and challenging environment to set them up in the best way to face tomorrow’s world.

International schools in Lisbon offer varied curriculums, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, and French programs, providing diverse educational approaches and languages.

To apply to international schools in Lisbon, visit the school’s website, complete the application form, provide required documents (your child’s ID or birth certificate, medical records and vaccine card, etc.), and attend interviews or assessments as part of the specific school’s admissions process.

Yes, bilingual international schools in Lisbon, such as Redbridge School, offer bilingual education in both English and Portuguese for proficiency in both languages.

International schools in Lisbon offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, arts, drama, and clubs for technology, debate, and community service, encouraging holistic development beyond academics.

International schools in Lisbon can support students with special needs through individualized education plans (IEPs), specialized staff, inclusive classroom environments, and tailored support services to ensure all students thrive. Make sure to speak with the school you are interested in to determine their support system.

Yes, many international schools in Lisbon, such as St. Julian’s School and St Dominic’s International School, offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, known for its rigorous academic standards and global recognition.

Boarding schools are not so widespread in Portugal but are beginning to increase in popularity. St Peter’s International School, for example, provides boarding options.

The best international school in Lisbon will depend completely on your preferences (language, curricula, class size, etc.). It’s best to research a few and then visit the ones that meet your shortlist, to see if you can see your child thriving there.

Good options include the United Lisbon International School, a modern and innovative school, while the Redbridge International School, and PaRK International School are also excellent options providing academic and professional success.

International schools in Portugal generally have smaller class sizes, more extra-curricula activities, and offer a range of language options and curricula.

Portugal offers a wide range of residency options that allow you to bring your spouse/partner and children with you. Popular options include the Golden Visa, Portugal D7 Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa. This will provide residency status for families in Portugal.